Getting a Dog - where to start?

[oldie48]

The dogs trust local to me won't consider people who work and also require a fenced garden. I think it's important to think about what you want to do with the dog and beware, everyone always thinks their dog is the best breed to have! We have lots of off road walking with miles of common land and the Malvern Hills a short distance away, so we wanted a dog that we could train to have decent recall. We are happy to give our dog quite a lot of exercise but then like him to settle down once he's home, some dogs are rather needy. Also, we have a lot of stiles that are not that dog friendly so being able to pick the dog up and pop him over a style is quite useful and I can chuck him in the stable sink if he's rolled in something smelly. We've had 3 border terriers from pups, not suggesting them for anyone else but they fit the bill for us and they have all made really lovely family dogs despite them all being individuals. We do have sheep round here but they have all been trained to ignore them. I think it's worth taking your time to consider which breed or cross breed tbh I think it's better to have a pup if you are new to dogs, I've neighbours who have really struggled with rescues despite being reasonably experienced. All our dogs have come by word of mouth and we've seen them with their mum and in two cases with dad as well. Good luck, I hope you enjoy your dog as much as we have enjoyed all of ours, I wouldn't want to be without a dog in the house.

 

[splashgirl45]

a friend of mine who is an experienced dog owner adopted a dog , a roumanian rescue,just from a picture . she was 5 months old, supposed to be a small to medium size but when they got her she was already almost as big as a lab which they accepted, but the dog was petrified of everyone and was really stressed just being indoors. they took it really slowly but after 4 months of trying themselves and paying for a behaviourist, they hadnt made hardly any progress. she was terrified of her husband, who is normally the person that dogs go to, and was still scared of being touched by anyone. my friend was really upset that this poor dog was still so stressed and decided to give her up to a foster home who specialises in feral dogs and my friend is still very upset that she couldnt make a success of this dog.....so, be warned to only adopt once you have met the dog and dont fall into the trap that she did

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

The dogs trust local to me won't consider people who work and also require a fenced garden. I think it's important to think about what you want to do with the dog and beware, everyone always thinks their dog is the best breed to have! We have lots of off road walking with miles of common land and the Malvern Hills a short distance away, so we wanted a dog that we could train to have decent recall. We are happy to give our dog quite a lot of exercise but then like him to settle down once he's home, some dogs are rather needy. Also, we have a lot of stiles that are not that dog friendly so being able to pick the dog up and pop him over a style is quite useful and I can chuck him in the stable sink if he's rolled in something smelly. We've had 3 border terriers from pups, not suggesting them for anyone else but they fit the bill for us and they have all made really lovely family dogs despite them all being individuals. We do have sheep round here but they have all been trained to ignore them. I think it's worth taking your time to consider which breed or cross breed tbh I think it's better to have a pup if you are new to dogs, I've neighbours who have really struggled with rescues despite being reasonably experienced. All our dogs have come by word of mouth and we've seen them with their mum and in two cases with dad as well. Good luck, I hope you enjoy your dog as much as we have enjoyed all of ours, I wouldn't want to be without a dog in the house.

I am certainly not advocating my breeds to OP, we have Labs and Rottweilers, also have had JRTs and Border Collies. 3 of those breeds, I definitely wouldn't recommend for a 1st time owner. However, I would recommend the right Lurchers or Greyhounds and would reccommend the rescues associated with those breeds, certainly locally they seem to be very clued up and supportive of new owners. I don't personally understand how anyone can have a dog of any kind without a secure garden. I'm another who wouldn't want to be without a dog in the house. We spent 3-4 weeks without a dog before we got the Rottweilers, it was horrible, evven though we did still have a cat. We worked out that it had been well over 50 yrs since I had lived in a house without a dog.

 

[scats]

It is worth reading the free ebook 'BEFORE You Get Your Puppy' which is on the link below:

https://www.dogstardaily.com/files/BEFORE You Get Your Puppy.pdf

It will give you a very good idea what to expect. Puppies are VERY hard work and the more effort you put into the early days with things like socialisation, toilet training etc., the easier the grown dog will be. Don't under-estimate how much time they take up. I've had dogs all my life but the first puppy was a shock to the system! They play bite a lot until they learn bite inhibition and their baby teeth are as sharp as needles. It is not all cuteness and cuddles!

With regards to your working situation, do make sure you have a back up plan in case things change. Can you afford doggy daycare or a dog walker if you have to leave the dog for extended periods of time for work?

As for choice of dog, whippets are great and pretty easy (once out of the puppy stage). Mine is very clean, pretty chilled, doesn't need tons of exercise and is very affectionate and is great with other dogs, children etc.

I’ve said never again to pups. I get really bad puppy blues and feel like my life has been taken away during those early days (and no, I have no plans for children!)
You don’t get a minute, it’s constant watching them and following them around, standing in the garden in the middle of the night and working your day around feeds and toileting.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I’ve said never again to pups. I get really bad puppy blues and feel like my life has been taken away during those early days (and no, I have no plans for children!)
You don’t get a minute, it’s constant watching them and following them around, standing in the garden in the middle of the night and working your day around feeds and toileting.

They certainly are hard work!

 

[sportsmansB]

Small puppies definitely are hard work. You'd need to be prepared to basically take weeks off work or be very bad at working from home, while you follow them around waiting to correct them for something, rearranging your house so they can't eat it, and rearranging your days so that their routine is suitable for pooping at the right time.
I struggled with rescues as I work full time, though quite a lot of it from home, and while I have a massive garden it isn't completely fenced in (my field is to the rear and the sides)
I found that the smaller, less formal rescues are more flexible with the criteria, once they came out and saw my set up they were much happier and actually left me a dog there and then.

I have 2 collies, They are I guess fairly hard work compared to other dogs in some ways, in that they do need to be very well exercised and their smartness can work against you if they have too much time on their hands or too much energy. I basically keep them permanently exhausted and have no issues at all. I have someone who comes in if I am going to be out at meetings for more than a couple of hours, I'd recommend trying to find that person early stages, it really takes the pressure off. She just takes them a quick half hour walk and toilet for £15.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Really finding these responses so helpful to keep me grounded and not carried away in 'we're getting a dog!' excitement (especially as talking to a friend about it we now have an appointed 'dog aunt' and holiday dog sitting covered ) and manage my expectations.

It is worth reading the free ebook 'BEFORE You Get Your Puppy' which is on the link below:

https://www.dogstardaily.com/files/BEFORE You Get Your Puppy.pdf

I've just downloaded, this looks like an excellent resource thank you so much. I think I may have underestimated the neediness of a puppy so could do with the extra reading material.

The greyhound was also very difficult to train, mostly as any praise made her so excited she forgot what she was being praised for.

I know this was probably quite frustrating but also kind of adorable!

a friend of mine who is an experienced dog owner adopted a dog , a roumanian rescue,just from a picture . she was 5 months old, supposed to be a small to medium size but when they got her she was already almost as big as a lab which they accepted, but the dog was petrified of everyone and was really stressed just being indoors. they took it really slowly but after 4 months of trying themselves and paying for a behaviourist, they hadnt made hardly any progress. she was terrified of her husband, who is normally the person that dogs go to, and was still scared of being touched by anyone. my friend was really upset that this poor dog was still so stressed and decided to give her up to a foster home who specialises in feral dogs and my friend is still very upset that she couldnt make a success of this dog.....so, be warned to only adopt once you have met the dog and dont fall into the trap that she did

I am suuuuper wary of the Romanian rescue thing. I've heard a couple of horror stories directly. There's one person I am friends with on Facebook who seems to have had success but they have put a huge amount of thought and work in to make it work. It sounds potentially really risky and I do think this is one route we would rule out.

 

[CrunchieBoi]

We currently have a Romanian rescue. Although he isn't terrible, is improving and will hopefully get there with proper training it's not a route I'd go down again personally. Our Dogs Trust dogs were amazing from day 1 and our SSPCA girl was solid after a good 8-week training class.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

We've found a whippet rescue organisation we'd like to apply to and I'm keeping an eye on Dogs Trust website - there's even been a couple now that look potentially suitable.

Our next hurdle is to write a nice letter to our landlord asking for permission. I should have thought of this earlier, I guess I just think of where we live as home and we look after it dog or no dog. It makes me miss living in our own house (currently that's rented out while we rent our current home as moved for work). I've found some Dogs Trust resources on this which I though I could send over with the letter. I wish we could liaise with the landlord directly to discuss any concerns but it will be through the agent so I hope they will be helpful with the communication. Fingers crossed!

 

[some show]

I so wanted to rehome a whippet but the two rescues I spoke to both said no because I worked, albeit part time - which was sad, but I ended up with my 39kg big boy greyhound instead and he's a dream! Would still love to have a whippet one day, but not sure I could deal with the puppy stage!

Fingers crossed your landlord is accommodating! x

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I so wanted to rehome a whippet but the two rescues I spoke to both said no because I worked, albeit part time - which was sad, but I ended up with my 39kg big boy greyhound instead and he's a dream! Would still love to have a whippet one day, but not sure I could deal with the puppy stage!

Fingers crossed your landlord is accommodating! x

Thank you yes please do keep everything crossed for us - I've just sent off the email to the letting agent now to forward on to our landlord.

We've kind of swung from rescue to puppy, back to rescue (but not ruling out puppy completely). I suppose we won't really know if we'll be considered with our circumstances until we've got the landlord's permission.

I don't want to rule out greyhound but I do think it might be a bit of a squish in our little house. Also in my car, it's not very big!

 

[splashgirl45]

my friend has only got a small car so when she got her greyhound she went for a female as they are usually smaller. the rescue wanted her to have one of the dogs but she told them she couldnt afford to change her car so a smaller greyhound is her only choice, so they found some females for her to choose from...one of my other friends changed her car to a yeti so she could get a greyhound and hers is huge but he is lovely..they are usually couch potatoes in the house so shouldnt be too difficult to manage in a small house..fingers crossed for you

 

[some show]

That is true, my house is a two up, two down little terrace and Joe is so lazy in between walks that I don't even know he's there half the time - or I should say, I DO know - on his bed! Certainly doesn't get under my feet!

Like splashgirl's friend though, I did buy a second-hand Berlingo just for him because my skoda wasn't really big enough. But Greyhound Rescue Wales for example (one of my closest rescues) has got a girl in at the moment who's barely bigger than a whippet - greyhounds have sexual dimorphism so the difference in size between the sexes can be quite amazing.

Good luck with the landlord!! x

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Ah interesting, I didn't know there could be such a difference between males and females.

We're also in a two up, two down. There is space I think we might need to do some shuffling things around - the floorspace is just a bit awkward for putting a bed or crate in a spot that's not in the way (depending on size). Theoretically the dog could practically have it's own room in our spare room/office, just not sure if it would manage the stairs as they're a bit steep and not carpeted.

 

[splashgirl45]

dont worry about a bed, she will happily use yours, oh!!!!and the sofa too

 

[some show]

just not sure if it would manage the stairs as they're a bit steep and not carpeted.

Interesting, same in my house! I put a babygate at the bottom of mine because I didn't want him to try them for that very reason, I thought he'd slip - so he just has the run of downstairs, minus the kitchen (another babygate because there's no door there). Sometimes I think it's better when they don't have loads of space to roam in/cause trouble in - easier for them to feel safe and sound! He basically has the living room, the hall and the garden.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

A whippet is a wonderful choice.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I’ve said never again to pups. I get really bad puppy blues and feel like my life has been taken away during those early days (and no, I have no plans for children!)
You don’t get a minute, it’s constant watching them and following them around, standing in the garden in the middle of the night and working your day around feeds and toileting.

I’ve told the OH we should wait til we retire in 5 years (extra early, we’re not that old!) for puppies. I couldn’t wait last time, now I’m wondering if I have the energy!

We've found a whippet rescue organisation we'd like to apply to and I'm keeping an eye on Dogs Trust website - there's even been a couple now that look potentially suitable.

Our next hurdle is to write a nice letter to our landlord asking for permission. I should have thought of this earlier, I guess I just think of where we live as home and we look after it dog or no dog. It makes me miss living in our own house (currently that's rented out while we rent our current home as moved for work). I've found some Dogs Trust resources on this which I though I could send over with the letter. I wish we could liaise with the landlord directly to discuss any concerns but it will be through the agent so I hope they will be helpful with the communication. Fingers crossed!

Omg, good choice! One flashed past me and Bear in the park this morning, I was genuinely gobsmacked at the speed!

Re landlords, I’d try to get direct contact, it’s too easy as a ll just to say no if it’s via a 3rd party.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

dont worry about a bed, she will happily use yours, oh!!!!and the sofa too

Just as well we have a big sofa hence the lack of floor space. Last year our Christmas tree went in the spare room as we got it home, pulled off the netting and were like: 'oh dear'. Then when we tried to take the armchair upstairs it got wedged between the walls so we had to abandon that at take the tree up instead. It was nice having a Christmas room for a bit though.

Interesting, same in my house! I put a babygate at the bottom of mine because I didn't want him to try them for that very reason, I thought he'd slip - so he just has the run of downstairs, minus the kitchen (another babygate because there's no door there). Sometimes I think it's better when they don't have loads of space to roam in/cause trouble in - easier for them to feel safe and sound! He basically has the living room, the hall and the garden.

I'm thinking baby gate too. If they were carpeted stairs I would be less worried but as they are just painted I think a dog might slip (or we'll end up ferrying them downstairs every time the get stuck up there!)

A whippet is a wonderful choice.

The more I think and read about it the more they are appealing to me. Trying so hard not to get ahead of myself as we've got to get landlord permission first

I’ve told the OH we should wait til we retire in 5 years (extra early, we’re not that old!) for puppies. I couldn’t wait last time, now I’m wondering if I have the energy!

Omg, good choice! One flashed past me and Bear in the park this morning, I was genuinely gobsmacked at the speed!

Re landlords, I’d try to get direct contact, it’s too easy as a ll just to say no if it’s via a 3rd party.

I know not to 100% stereotype on breed but I always thought they needed loads of exercise but it seems not. Short bursts of activity and hours loafing about. Sounds just like me really!

We debated going to landlord direct then thought we should probably go to the agent as they're paid to manage the property, will give them time to respond then go direct to the landlord.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Oh my goodness the landlord said yes! I was starting to lose hope as it's been a month since we first asked. Let the rescue applications commence! ?

 

[splashgirl45]

 

[Sandy200]

Good luck! Have you looked at the Celia Cross Greyhound Trust as think you said you were in Surrey? We have had 3 from there and they were great to deal with; they normally have greyhounds, whippets and lurchers needing homes.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Good luck! Have you looked at the Celia Cross Greyhound Trust as think you said you were in Surrey? We have had 3 from there and they were great to deal with; they normally have greyhounds, whippets and lurchers needing homes.

Ooh I'm not sure if I've looked them up before. Will check this out thank you

I'm trying not to get too excited about it as we still have to pass the checks/be accepted for a dog but still...mega excited!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Hmm... next issue looks like fencing. Most of the garden is 6ft but a portion is 4ft which I think some rescues will be an issue for. Gah!

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Most of the garden is 6ft but a portion is 4ft which I think some rescues will be an issue for.

Can you add trellis or similar to raise height?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Can you add trellis or similar to raise height?

For most of it I think we could. Some of it has probably about another 2ft of plant/hedge/tree growing over the top of it anyway and most of these sections are at the end of the garden which is fenced off with a lower (3ft) fence due to the pond that's there. I think we'll have another investigate over the weekend to see what we could do. In terms of risk of dog going anywhere dangerous/properly escaping they'd have to get past at least another set of 6ft fence in all directions but obviously don't want them getting into neighbours gardens causing annoyance. Both immediate neighbours on each side of us have a dog so they must think the fences are in reasonable condition, although one side has a Beagle and the other a small Terrier so the height is probably less of an issue!

 

[Odyssey]

Thank you yes please do keep everything crossed for us - I've just sent off the email to the letting agent now to forward on to our landlord.

We've kind of swung from rescue to puppy, back to rescue (but not ruling out puppy completely). I suppose we won't really know if we'll be considered with our circumstances until we've got the landlord's permission.

I don't want to rule out greyhound but I do think it might be a bit of a squish in our little house. Also in my car, it's not very big!

I have my 5th greyhound, and can't really imagine having another breed, they really are gorgeous, and have such wonderful personalities. I now live in an average size one bedroom ground floor flat, and have a smallish hatchback. My boy is 34kg. I would ideally have liked a smaller (girl sized) one, but I have a very soft spot for the greyhound boys, they're so soft and goofy, and as soon as I met my current lad, I had eyes for no other. He's a delight and a charmer - very friendly in a calm, gentle way, loves to lean on people, and is cheeky and funny. He's one that people just fall in love with, and even people who are normally scared of dogs take to him. He fits on the back seat of my car fine, and is almost always on the sofa or his bed, so his size isn't an issue! I'd much rather have a large, easy dog than a smaller lively, more feisty one. Greyhounds are generally very undemanding, happy with a walk round the block or a longish walk (as long as it's not raining!), and are usually great with children. Mine adores them.

 

[splashgirl45]

my friends greyhound always leans on my when i say hello, didnt realise it was a greyhound thing...he is such a lovely dog...much easier than my terriers

 

[Unicorn]

I used this to fix the low patches on the fence in my rented property to keep my dog in.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FlexiPan...Pen-Run-or-Cage-1M-or-1-5M-HIGH-/122635491205

It's mesh panels that screw onto the posts. I had it about 1.5m high.

I'm not using it any more, so if you're anywhere near me (west sussex/hampshire border), you're very welcome to it.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I used this to fix the low patches on the fence in my rented property to keep my dog in.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FlexiPan...Pen-Run-or-Cage-1M-or-1-5M-HIGH-/122635491205

It's mesh panels that screw onto the posts. I had it about 1.5m high.

I'm not using it any more, so if you're anywhere near me (west sussex/hampshire border), you're very welcome to it.

Thank you that's a kind offer, I think we may need to consider something like this or trellis. It's tricky because a whippet/greyhound seems to be a good fit for us (speedy couch potato!) but the fencing height seems to be more of an issue than for a small breed.

Just popping back having read through a thread about how people make it work with having a dog and working. We were aware of the need to use a dog walker to help us with a day time walk as there will be a couple of days a week I will struggle to get home to do a mid-day walk so included this with our application but we've been asked to look at day care instead. I'm not against this but just feel cautious about it and worried about what we'd do if the dog found day care stressful. I thought someone coming to take them out solo or in a small group would be enough to break up the day so they are not left for a huge chunk of time but perhaps I've got it wrong.